Medical Coder Pay

Avondale vs Tucson: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Avondale, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Avondale, AZ
$37,763
$18.15/hr
Tucson, AZ
$40,355
$19.40/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAvondale, AZTucson, AZ
Median Salary$37,763$40,355
Hourly Rate$18.15$19.40
Entry Level (P10)$27,300$29,264
25th Percentile$31,815$32,300
75th Percentile$48,211$46,576
Top Earner (P90)$58,533$57,086
Total Employed14530
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Avondale ($37,763) and Tucson ($40,355) medical coder salaries.AvondaleTucsonMedian Salary$37,763$40,355Entry Level (P10)$27,300$29,264Top Earner (P90)$58,533$57,086US Median $41,861

Verdict

Tucson, AZ offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Avondale.

The salary gap between Avondale and Tucson is $2,592 (6.86%). Tucson's median is -3.60% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Avondale spans $31,233,Tucson spans $27,822. Avondale has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Avondale
P10 (Entry)$27,300
P25$31,815
Median$37,763
P75$48,211
P90 (Top)$58,533
Tucson
P10 (Entry)$29,264
P25$32,300
Median$40,355
P75$46,576
P90 (Top)$57,086

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Tucson ($41,648 effective) pays 8.63% more than Avondale ($38,338 effective).

Avondale
Nominal: $37,763
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $38,338
Tucson
Nominal: $40,355
CoL Index: 96.896
Adjusted: $41,648

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Avondale if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($58,533)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Tucson if…

  • Higher median salary ($40,355/year)
  • Larger job market (530 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $41,648)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Avondale grew -28.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.2% growth in Tucson over the same period.

Avondale, AZ

+-28.8%

$51,842 (2024) → $36,907 (2025)

Tucson, AZ

+4.2%

$37,850 (2021) → $39,440 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Avondale or Tucson?

Tucson has a higher median medical coder salary at $40,355/year, compared to Avondale at $37,763/year — a difference of $2,592 (6.86%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Avondale and Tucson?

Avondale medical coders earn $18.15/hr while Tucson hygienists earn $19.40/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Avondale to Tucson as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Avondale and Tucson. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Avondale = $38,338, Tucson = $41,648), job availability (14 vs 530 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Avondale vs Tucson?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $27,300 in Avondale and $29,264 in Tucson. The Tucson area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AP

Written by Aisha Patel, RHIT, CPC

Career Analyst

Aisha has over 10 years of experience in medical coding. She specializes in inpatient coding at acute care facilities. Aisha works closely with healthcare providers to ensure accurate coding practices.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Chen, CPC, CCSData verified by Maria Gonzales, CPC, CCA

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.32% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, RHIT, CPC, a licensed medical coder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov